81 Special

[Wingedwheel]

Nice work Greg! I’ve not tried a brass wheel for cleaning up rusted exhaust, just arm pressure and 0000 steel wool but I can see where the wheel might get a little more off without wearing my arm out.

 

[Melnic]

Exhaust day. Yesterday I removed the exhaust system. I was amazed the crossover pipe came apart. Had visions of cutting it apart. I had sprayed rust penetrate on it a few times a few time last week. It came apart with no drama. I then de-greased everything, knocked off the big rust and then polished it some. It came out ok. I used the Gunk engine degreaser first (it's good stuff, you don't need gloves but wash your hands before going pee). Next was Quick-Glo on the headers and the tops of the mufflers (thanks @jetmechmarty ) that stuff works very well. Not so good on the heavy stuff for that I used the Dremel and brass wheels. Finished with my favorite wax.
It came out ok for what I had to work with. As I was cleaning it up I could see what I already knew, it wasn't going to be perfect. When you have your face 6 inches from something you see every blemish. From a few feet it looks good. I could feel mission creep. I went and looked and I can buy new head pipes and good mufflers for less than $200. I had to remind myself what I am doing. The goal is to end up with a presentable bike that runs and rides like new. Not a show bike. New pipes would look better and maybe make the bike run better. At the end of the day I do not see a gain in value to justify the expense.
Next up swing arm.

View attachment 260225View attachment 260226View attachment 260227View attachment 260228View attachment 260229View attachment 260230View attachment 260231
View attachment 260232

Wow Impressive!

Was the corrosion down to the bare metal on the top of the left pipe? Will you be able to treat it with something to keep it from coming back?

 

[jetmechmarty]

Wow Impressive!

Was the corrosion down to the bare metal on the top of the left pipe? Will you be able to treat it with something to keep it from coming back?

For me, just regular riding and keeping the bike clean seems to do the trick. I have one stock muffler running with what I believe is battery acid damage.

 

[GLJ]

Wow Impressive!

Was the corrosion down to the bare metal on the top of the left pipe? Will you be able to treat it with something to keep it from coming back?

No big spots. Just going to keep wax on it.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Wax on a muffler? How’s that work? Lol

 

[Jim]

Wax on a muffler? How’s that work? Lol

Can't really say how it works, but I do the same on lightly pitted mufflers. It does make a difference.

 

[magoo66]

Been doing it for years also.Just makes small pits a bit less conspicuous after a complete cleanup like Greg has done is what I’ve found.His look great.No scientific answer why either.

 

[Melnic]

No big spots. Just going to keep wax on it.

I'm going to have to give that a try on another bike I have with rust on the pipes.

 

[GLJ]

Wax on a muffler? How’s that work? Lol

Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

Absolutely not knocking it, I just figured it would burn off. I’ll give it a try.